Peach tree &#39;TexKing&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of  Prunus persica  is provided. The new peach tree variety produces an attractively colored, yellow fleshed, clingstone peach that matures early in the season (7-10 days after Flordaking) under the ecological conditions prevailing in the medium chill zone of south central Texas and is adapted in the medium chill region. The variety requires approximately 450 chilling units of dormancy.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

[0001] Variety of Prunus persica, denominated as ‘TEXKING’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a new, novel and distinctvariety of Prunus persica (Bastch) L., which has the denominatedvarietally as ‘TexKing’. The ‘TexKing’ Peach Tree produces a highquality, yellow fleshed, firm clingstone peach which matures early inthe season. Another unique aspect of the ‘TexKing’ is that requiresapproximately 450 chilling units of dormancy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The ‘TexKing’ peach is characterized as to novelty and isotherwise noteworthy by producing a high quality, firm, and attractivefruit which ripens in the early season following the variety‘Flordaking’ (Andrews et al. 1979, HortScience 14:81-82). In thisregard, the present variety of peach tree bears fruit that are ripe forcommercial harvesting in early to middle May, when the variety is grownin central Texas, which is about 7 to 9 days after the fruit of‘Flordaking’. Growing the variety in the ecological conditions ofcentral San Joaquin Valley (Fowler, Calif.), the commercial harvestingis early June. Additionally, ‘TexKing’ exhibits the potential to becommercialized in medium chill regions.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

[0004] The present peach tree was the result of an ongoing Stone FruitBreeding Program of Texas A&M University, College Station, Tex. To thisend, both controlled and hybrid crosses are made each year in order toproduce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluatedand selected.

[0005] ‘TexKing’ (Prunus persica (Bastch) L.) originated in the StoneFruit Breeding Program at the Department of Horticultural Sciences,Texas A&M University, College Station, Tex. The seed parent was‘Goldprince’, a nonpatented variety released in 1989 by the USDA StoneFruit Breeding Program located in Byron, Georgia (Okie, 1993,HortScience 28:231). This peach was crossed with the selection TX3290-2which was a large fruited, early ripening, medium chill selection from across between the selection Y7-97×‘Hamlet’. ‘Hamlet’ is a non-patentedpeach released from a North Carolina breeding program (Clayton et al.,1977, Fruit Var. J. 31:34-35). Y7-97 was selected at the Yoakum PlantDisease Experiment Station from a population derived from a cross madeat Rutgers University on a tree of a New Jersey peach selection(CITY32-423) with pollen from a selection (C9-42) from the University ofFlorida.

[0006] In 1992, the cross was made, embryos were rescued, and theseedlings were planted in a high-density fruiting nursery at CollegeStation in 1993. In 1994, ‘TexKing’ was selected under the selectionname of ‘TX2B6’ for having exceptional characteristics, including earlymaturity, large fruit size, good productivity, yellow ground color,round shape, high red overcolor, and excellent firmness. It waspropagated asexually by budding and has been evaluated in Texas,California, and southern Spain.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

[0007] In May 1997, the new variety ‘TexKing’ was bud grafted ontovirus-free Nemaguard (The Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and NutVarieties, 3^(rd) Ed., American Society of Horticultural Science Press,Alexandria, Va., 1997) peach rootstock. ‘TexKing’ was propagated at theexperimental orchards of Texas A&M University near the city of CollegeStation (Brazos County, Tex.) and near the city of Yoakum (DewittCounty, Tex.) in the south central region of Texas and at experimentalorchards near the city of Fowler (Fresno County, Calif.) in the centralportion of the San Joaquin Valley of California. Fruit from theresulting propagation has been evaluated from 1994 to 2001 in CollegeStation, from 1997 to 2001 in Yoakum, and from 1999 to 2001 in Fowler.This evaluation clearly demonstrated that the repropagated trees aretrue to the characteristics of the original seedling in all observableaspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a color photograph of a characteristic twig bearingtypical leaves; several leaves showing both the dorsal and ventralcoloration, and several mature fruit showing their external colorationsufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, onefruit of the subject variety is dissected in the axial or suture planeto illustrate the flesh and stone characteristics thereof. This fruitwas harvested from experimental plots in Fowler, Fresno County, Calif.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a color photograph of external and internal views offruit ‘TexKing’ produced in the experimental orchards in south centralTexas to show the typical color and shape observed when grown in amedium chill zone.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a color photograph of flowers of ‘TexKing’ propagated inan experimental orchard in south central Texas.

[0012]FIG. 4 shows the bark of ‘TexKing’ propagated in an experimentalorchard in south central Texas.

[0013]FIG. 5 shows pits (endocarp) from the fruit of ‘TexKing’ producedin an experimental orchard south central Texas.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring more specifically to the pomological details of thisnew and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observedunder the ecological conditions prevailing at the experimental orchardsnear the town of Fowler, Fresno county, Calif. and of Texas A&MUniversity at sites in College Station, Brazos county and near Yoakum,DeWitt county, Tex. The color and size designations are from samplescollected in the experimental orchards of Texas A&M University unlessotherwise noted. All major color code designations are by reference tothe RHS Colour Chart (Third Edition) provided by The Royal HorticulturalSociety of Great Britain and descriptors are from the New JerseyAgricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 728 entitled, ‘Standards forClassifying Peach Characters’ by M. A. Blake and L. J. Edgertonpublished in 1946. Colors are approximate, as color depends onhorticultural practices such as, for example, light level andfertilization rate.

[0015] Tree:

[0016]Size.—Average to above average as compared to other common peachcultivars ripening in the early season of maturity.

[0017]Productivity.—Very productive and self-fertile. Fruit set must bethinned to avoid limb breakage and to obtain the desired size.

[0018]Form.—The ‘TexKing’ peach has been trained in central leaderconfiguration in California and an open center configuration in Texas.Training and pruning methods of trees controls branch size and crotchangles. Thus the natural growth habit of the tree is not seen sincepoorly angled (narrow) or positioned branches are removed. When trainedas an open center, it displays a semi-upright growth habit.

[0019]Height and width.—Height of 3.0 meters and a width of 2.0 metersat end of third year of growth.

[0020]Current season growth.—The current season growth for the newvariety ranged from 70 mm to 120 mm.

[0021]Regularity of bearing.—Regular and considered hardy under typicalcentral San Joaquin Valley, Calif. and south central Texas conditions.

[0022] Trunk:

[0023]Thickness.—Ranged from 8.7 to 11.0 cm in diameter when measured ata distance of approximately 30 cm above the soil level, at the end ofthe third growing season.

[0024]Bark texture.—Considered moderately smooth.

[0025]Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels present. The lenticelsrange in size from approximately 5.0 to 9.0 millimeters in width andfrom 1 to 2 millimeters in height. The color of the raised part of thelenticels was approximately RHS Greyed Orange Group 166D.

[0026]Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to be agrey-brown (RHS Grey Brown Group 166A) with silver colored (RHS BlackGroup 202D) cracks oriented vertically.

[0027] Branches:

[0028]Size.—Considered medium for the variety.

[0029]Thickness.—Average as compared to other varieties.

[0030]Surface texture.—Relatively smooth with moderate furrowing and amedium density of lenticels attaining the size of the lenticels found onthe trunk and older scaffolds.

[0031]Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially glabrous.

[0032]Internode length.—Approximately 2.0 to 2.1 cm.

[0033]Color of mature branches.—One year old branches were predominantlyRHS Greyed Orange Group color of 200D and two-year old branches weremedium brown (RHS Greyed Orange Group 165A).

[0034]Current seasons shoots.—Color-The youngest tissue is light green,(RHS Yellow Green Group 144B) and the oldest tissue is a medium brown(RHS Grey Brown Group 199A).

[0035] Leaves:

[0036]Size.—Considered moderately large for the species. Leafmeasurements have been taken from vigorous upright current season growthapproximately at mid-shoot.

[0037]Leaf length.—Approximately 170 to 190 millimeters.

[0038]Leaf width.—Approximately 31 to 35 millimeters.

[0039]Leaf form.—Lanceolate.

[0040]Leaf tip form.—Sharply acute. The tip often appears flexeddownwards and slightly twisted laterally.

[0041]Leaf color.—Approximately RHS Yellow Green Group 147A. Youngleaves were the green designated with RHS Green Group 137B color chip.

[0042]Lower surface.—Approximately RHS Yellow Green Group 147B.

[0043]Mid-Vein.—Light yellow green (RHS Yellow Green Group 157C).

[0044]Leaf margins.—Form — Considered crenate. Uniformity — Consideredgenerally uniform.

[0045]Leaf petioles.—Size — Considered medium to medium long. Length —Approximately 7 to 10 mm. Thickness — Approximately 1.5 to 2 mm. Color —Pale green (RHS Yellow Green Group 146D).

[0046]Leaf glands.—Size — Small, approximately 1-2 mm in length andwidth. Number — 0 to 2. Type — Globose Color — RHS Brown Group 200B.

[0047]Leaf stipules.—Size — Medium-long for the variety. Length —Approximately 12 to 15 mm. Form — Lanceolate in form and a crenatemargin. Color — Green (RHS Yellow Green Group 146C) when young. Thestipules are considered to be early deciduous.

[0048] Flowers:

[0049]Flower buds.—General — The floral buds are considered to be mediumto medium large in size, conic in form, and slightly appressed relativeto the bearing shoot. Color — The bud scales are grey-brown (RHS GreyedOrange Group 177D). The buds are considered hardy under typical centralSan Joaquin Valley, California and south central Texas climaticconditions.

[0050]Blooming type.—Considered early in relation to other peachcultivars commonly growing in the central San Joaquin Valley. Date offull bloom in central San Joaquin Valley was about Feb. 11, 2000, anddate of full bloom in central Texas was about February 14.

[0051]Flower type.—Showy.

[0052]Flower size.—Flower diameter at full bloom is approximately 39millimeters.

[0053]Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.

[0054]Flower bud frequency.—Normally 1 to 2 appear per node.

[0055]Petal size.—Considered medium to medium large for the species.Length — Approximately 20 millimeters. Width — Approximately 15 to 20millimeters.

[0056]Petal form.—Broadly ovate.

[0057]Petal count.—Nearly always 5.

[0058]Petal color.—Light to medium pink (RHS Red Purple Group 62C).

[0059]Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly smooth,to undulate and ruffled.

[0060]Petal apex.—The petal apices appear slightly domed.

[0061]Flower pedicel.—Length — Considered medium-short, and having anaverage length of approximately 2 to 3 millimeters. Thickness —Considered average, approximately 1 to 2 millimeters. Color — Green (RHSGreen Group 143C).

[0062]Calyx.—Surface Texture — Generally glabrous. Color — A reddishpurple (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 59 B).

[0063]Sepals.—Surface Texture — The surface has a short, fine, woolytexture. Size — Average, and ovate in form. Color — A dull red(approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 183 B).

[0064]Anthers.—General — Average in size for the species. Color — Yellow(approximately RHS Yellow Group 8B) with a orange-red (RHS Orange-RedGroup 34B) edge.

[0065]Pollen production.—Pollen is yellow (RHS Yellow-orange Group 19B)and abundant.

[0066]Filaments.—Size — Average 15 millimeters. The filaments generallyprotrude slightly greater than the pistil (average length of 12millimeters). Color — Young filaments are white (RHS White Group 155C)and change to red purple (RHS Red Purple Group 60C) with age.

[0067]Pistil.—Relatively short in length, and slightly shorter, relativeto the general anther height, overall. Length — Approximately 12millimeters, including the ovary. Color — Considered yellow green(approximately RHS Green Yellow Group 1C).

[0068]Surface texture.—The variety has a long, slender pubescent pistil.

[0069] Fruit:

[0070]Maturity when described.—The present variety of fruit isdescribed, as it would be found in its firm ripe condition at fullcommercial maturity. Under the ecological conditions prevailing in theSan Joaquin Valley of central California, the date of the first pickingwas May 28, 2000, and the date of the last picking was Jun. 10, 2000. Inthe orchards near south central Texas, the commercial harvest beganabout the Jun. 7, 2001 and ended about Jun. 17, 2001.

[0071]Size.—General — Medium to medium large for the season andconsidered relatively uniform.

[0072]Average fruit weight.—132 to 170 grams when thinned to about onefruit per 20 centimeters of fruiting wood, and varies with tree age,soil type, climatic conditions, and cultural practices.

[0073]Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 65 to 78 millimeters whenproperly thinned to about one fruit per 20 centimeters of fruiting wood.

[0074]Average suture diameter.—Approximately 68 to 74 millimeters.

[0075]Average axial diameter.—Approximately 74 to 77 millimeters.

[0076]Fruit form.—Round to ovate in its lateral aspect. The fruit isgenerally uniform in symmetry with when viewed from the apical aspect.It will have a rounder shape when grown under high chill and cool springconditions, as exemplified in the San Joaquin Valley in centralCalifornia, as compared to the more ovate shape developed under lowerchill and warmer spring conditions as experienced in the south centralTexas evaluation sites.

[0077]Fruit suture.—General — The suture appears as a thin line thatextends from the base to the apex. No apparent callusing or stitchingexists along the suture line. The suture may protrude slightly. Color —The suture normally is the same colors as the underlying blush, the redblush color ranges from a RHS Red Group 46B to a 53A with many degreesof shading and blending occurring between these colorations.

[0078]Ventral surface.—Form — Considered uniform.

[0079]Stem cavity.—Narrowly oval with a length of 18-20 mm, a width of7-8 mm, and a depth of 7-10 mm.

[0080]Fruit base.—Considered truncate in form, and uniform.

[0081]Fruit apex.—More prominent in a lower chill, warmer springclimate. In this characteristic, it is similar to the variety‘Flordaking’.

[0082]Fruit skin.—General — Considered medium to average in thickness.Surface Texture — The variety has very light, short pubescence. SkinAcidity — Considered neutral. Tenacious to Flesh — Yes at commercialmaturity. Tendency to Crack — No cracking has been observed. Skin Color— Variable, with approximately 55% to 80% of the fruit surface coveredwith an attractive red blush. The red blush color ranges from a RHS RedGroup of 46B to a 53A with many degrees of shading and blendingoccurring between these colorations. Blush Color — The red blush colorranges from a RHS Red Group of 46B to a 53A with many degrees of shadingand blending occurring between these colorations. Skin Ground Color —generally present in variable percentages covering approximately 20% to45% of the fruit's surface. The skin ground is yellow ranging within theRHS Yellow Orange Group From 15C to 18B.

[0083]Flesh color.—Considered variable from a yellow/orange and rangesbetween RHS Yellow Orange Group 14C to 17C chip color.

[0084]Flesh texture.—Generally considered firm and fine at commercialmaturity. As the fruit as it approaches a ripe state, softening occursfirst on the apical tip.

[0085]Ripening.—Generally ripens evenly.

[0086]Flavor.—Considered sweet and a rich, slightly acidic flavor. Ithas a brix of approximately 10 degrees.

[0087]Aroma.—Pleasant and reasonably abundant.

[0088]Eating.—Considered very good to excellent, particularly for anearly ripening variety.

[0089] Stone:

[0090]Attachment.—Clingstone at commercial maturity.

[0091]Stone size.—General — Considered medium relative to the ratio ofstone to fruit size. Length — Approximately 31.5 millimeters. Width —Approximately 20.6 millimeters. Thickness — Approximately 18.0millimeters.

[0092]Base angle.—The base angle of the stone is variable, but mostfrequently is considered medium (70-79 degrees).

[0093]Hilum.—Oval with a length of 4-5 mm and a width of 2-3 mm.

[0094]Apex.—Raised and has an acute tip.

[0095]Stone shape.—Considered variable. The stone normally is equal,although occasionally may appear unequal. Its form is elliptical toovate.

[0096]Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Generally considered medium inroughness and exhibits substantial pitting laterally. Grooves are formedby chains of pits particularly towards the apex of the stone.

[0097]Dorsal edge.—Broad and deep lines and a medium ridge.

[0098]Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is brown approximated byRHS Grey Brown Group 199D with the pits being the color RHS Brown Group200D.

[0099]Tendency to split.—Splitting has not been observed.

[0100]Kernel.—The kernel fills the inner cavity of the endocarp uponharvest but shrivels when dried. The dried kernel measures approximately0.75-1.25 mm in thickness, 13.5-14.25 mm in length, and 6.5-8.0 mm inwidth. The predominant colors of the dried kernels are the RHS GreyedOrange Group colors of 164A, 165A and 165B.

[0101]Use.—The subject variety, ‘TexKing’, is considered to be a peachtree of early season maturity, which produces fruit that are firm,attractively colored, and are useful for both local and long distanceshipping.

[0102]Keeping quality.—Good.

[0103]Resistance to insects and disease.—No susceptibilities were notedand was determined to be moderately resistant to bacterial leaf spot(Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni (Smith) Dye) as is ‘Flordaking’ in thefield plots in College Station.

[0104]Shipping quality.—Average.

[0105] Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing inthe central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California (near Fowler)or in south central Texas (near College Station and Yoakum), it will beunderstood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristicsincident to the changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning,and pest control are to be expected. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Prunus persica,substantially as illustrated herein.